Gary Player was there as the Cliffs at Mountain Park officially opened to Cliffs members and their guests Friday morning.

"All in all, this golf course has turned out absolutely, way beyond what I ever thought it would,” said Player.

The 77-year-old South African said his design group chose the Upstate because of the backdrop it supplied the course.

“This is the Switzerland of America,” said Player. "It's the air. It's the mountains. It's the beautiful lakes. Above all, there’s very little pollution."

Ground was broken on this project seven years ago.

When the economy fell into a recession, so did the financial health of the Cliffs

The Gary Player Design Group put up its millions for the course. The Cliffs did not come up with its share until later.

"The Cliffs was mired in debt,” said Ray Jackson, The Cliffs sales and marketing director. ”That has been corrected and now we have three strong partners that are taking it forward in the correct direction."

Player, now 77, said he will not stop traveling the world. Some of his family now lives in the Upstate so he’ll be back.

His hope is his golf course will inspire a healthier lifestyle.

"It can do that by getting people to participate and walk exercise and be competitive,” said Player.